Preparing Students for Financial Success at WRUS

by Kirsten Mosher

Did you know that about ⅓ of Americans report that they would be unable to cover a $400 emergency with cash (without borrowing or selling something)?  And that 38% of young adults, age 18 - 35, get financial advice from Social Media, with 65.6% of those using YouTube?  These are some of the things we talk about in Financial Literacy at WRUS.  However, in Maryland, only 26% of high school students are required to take a one semester Personal Finance course to graduate. Anna Arundle County recently added this requirement for graduation starting with the Freshmen class of 2026-2027.  In a 2025 survey, 80% of adults said they want financial education in high school. Data shows that students who have financial education in school have better credit scores, fewer late payments, pay off loans faster, have more savings, and are less likely to use alternative financial services like payday loans.  These benefits carry over years after graduation.  Teaching financial literacy in schools is supported by parents, students and community members.

Financial Literacy at Wye River Upper School

At Wye River Upper School, Financial Literacy is strongly encouraged for seniors, as they prepare to manage their future financial responsibilities.   Financial Literacy students are introduced to the essential skills needed for navigating personal finance with confidence. The curriculum is designed not just for theoretical understanding, but for practical applications, featuring numerous interactive activities and real-world simulations.

Below are descriptions of some of the units covered in this course.  

Behavioral Economics

We began the year by exploring the "why" behind our financial choices. Students learned how personal values directly influence spending habits and how common cognitive biases can sometimes lead us astray. This foundational unit emphasized making mindful, informed decisions rather than reactive ones.

Banking

Students gained fundamental banking knowledge, covering everything from different types of bank accounts and understanding associated fees to the practical skill of balancing a checkbook. 

Credit & Managing Credit

The class demystified the world of credit. Topics covered using credit cards wisely, understanding different types of loans, and the dangers of predatory lending. Students also learned about managing debt, interpreting credit reports, and building a strong credit score.  Students participated in an activity that required them to analyze and compare loans with different lengths, interest rates, and down payments. Another activity, Compounding Cat Insanity, provided a powerful, interactive simulation of the process of paying off large amounts of debt, illustrating the power of interest and the value of timely repayment.

Insurance

Students gained vital knowledge about protecting their assets and health. The insurance unit covered various types, including auto, renters, homeowners, and health insurance, focusing on the relationship between premiums and deductibles.

Budgeting

In the budgeting unit, students compare various budgeting strategies and complete a major project: creating a realistic, salary-based budget for a chosen career path. This project required them to factor in net pay, savings goals, housing, utilities, and discretionary spending, offering a true taste of adult financial responsibility.  The SPENT activity was a class favorite, simulating the tough choices involved in living within a tight budget. It required students to make difficult decisions about which expenses they could afford to pay and which they would have to sacrifice.

Investing

In the investing unit, students learned the difference between saving and investing, exploring various strategies for managing risk and planning for long-term goals like retirement. The curriculum included topics like investing in funds and comparing different types of retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k)s and IRAs). Students particularly enjoy the activities. STAX is an interactive simulation where students make investment decisions, allocating their savings among multiple options.  Stocks on Your Birthday is a hands-on project where students select three stocks and use charts and graphs to compare their yearly values and return on investment. Students also participate in the Stock Market Game, a competitive, 10-week virtual platform allowing students to buy and sell stocks in a simulated environment, putting theory into practice.

Careers & Professional Skills

The Careers unit helped students explore different career pathways, analyze job postings, and develop crucial professional skills. Students completed career interest assessments and learned best practices for resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.  The culminating assessment for this unit is a practical exercise in professional readiness: students created a personalized resume and cover letter based on their goals for the next four years, and participated in a valuable mock interview session.

This course is full of  information and activities designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial success throughout their lives.